The IBA Program

The Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Program took root in Canada
in 1996 with a five-year effort that focused on site
identification and designation. As part of this first
phase, nearly 600 IBAs were designated across every
province and territory using an internationally
established, science-based approach.

Subsequently, provincial nature federation groups
were engaged to coordinate the development of
conservation plans for
selected IBAs and to lead local conservation activities.

The Government of Canada was a critical partner in
these early years, providing generous financial support
through its Millennium Fund program. Environment Canada
provided strong in-kind support in a science advisory
role and through the provision of migratory bird data.

The current focus of the program is to:

reinvigorate the IBA
Program nationally and regionally

develop a national
Caretaker
Network to engage citizens
in conservation actions at IBAs

develop monitoring
protocols and systems to report on bird populations at IBAs